IELTS on Paper or Computer

IELTS - The World’s Most Popular High-Stakes English Language Test

IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 organizations in over 150 countries. Co-owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English-language test for study, work and migration, with more than 3.5 million tests taken last year.

IELTS assesses all of your English skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking, and is designed to reflect real life use of English - whether for study, work, or play. The IELTS exam is developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment. It has an excellent international reputation and is accepted by over 11,500 institutions worldwide. These include schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies, among many more.

There are two versions of the IELTS test: IELTS General Training, and IELTS Academic. The version you should take depends on your visa requirements and your goals for study or vocation.

IDP Education, Co-Owner and Official Test Centre of IELTS

We are a proud co-owner of IELTS. IDP Education offers the IELTS Academic and General Training tests in more than 2,200 test locations across 80 countries. The IELTS test is co-owned and was co-created by IDP: IELTS Australia, the British Council and Cambridge English Language Assessment. Since its launch in 1989, IELTS has become the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test.

Test takers can choose between IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer according to their personal preference. Please note that the test content, structure and timing are identical, whether it is taken on paper or on computer.

If you choose IELTS on Paper, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing components on paper; The Listening test will be conducted through indoor broadcast, and the Speaking test will be conducted offline face-to-face with an IELTS Examiner. For IELTS on Computer, the Speaking test may or may not take place on the same day as the Listening, Reading and Writing components.>>>More on IELTS Test Format & Content

Whether you’ve chosen IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer, you would get the same test paper as well as an online IELTS Test Report Form. You will receive your IELTS results in 13* days when you sit a paper-based IELTS test. IDP Education holds around 4 paper-based IELTS tests every month, which are usually held at various hotels, schools and conference centres, test takers cannot choose or request IELTS test venues as they are subject to availability.

>>>View IELTS on Paper Test Dates

If you choose to take IELTS on Computer, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing components using a computer. Individual headphones will be provided for the Listening test, and the Speaking test will be conduced online / offline face-to-face with an in-person IELTS examiner. For IELTS on Computer, Speaking test takes place on the same day as the Listening, Reading and Writing components.

Whether you’ve chosen IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer, you would get the same test paper as well as an online IELTS Test Report Form. You will receive your IELTS results in 3-5* days when you sit an IELTS on Computer test. IDP Education holds more than 20 IELTS on Computer tests every month, IDP IELTS has two IELTS on Computer Test Centres, located in Mong Kok and Causeway Bay, test takers can choose their test centres according to their personal preference and test types. Please note that although IELTS practice tests can be done online, the actual examination must be done in a test centre.

Comparing IELTS on Paper & IELTS on Computer

* Results for IELTS on computer are usually available in 1-5 days after you finish all components of your test. Please note that the result release day will be postponed to the next working day in the event if it falls on a Sunday or Public Holiday. Candidates will be notified if results are not available on the scheduled date.

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IELTS Examination Venue

IDP Education IELTS tests are generally held in hotels, schools and conference centers. The venues are mostly located on Hong Kong Island (including: Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, etc.) and Kowloon (including: Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, etc.).

Disclaimer: It is the responsibility of the test taker to register for the right type of test (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI, Life Skills A1 or Life Skills B1). The test centre cannot be held responsible for an incorrect selection.

Please Note

We have noticed some online advertisements on several social media sites claim to provide services for IELTS test takers, such as registering for IELTS, collection of results and making arrangements for a re-mark of the test. We advise all potential IELTS test takers to avoid using such services that are not directly affiliated to IELTS.

Once you’ve submitted your IELTS application, it’s time to start preparing. Learn tips, get sample tests, past papers, and more from IDP. We even offer 30 days of free online practice to get you better prepared for your examination.
If you have any questions, require special arrangements, or anything else, please speak to your test centre team. They will be more than happy to assist you in any way regarding the IELTS registration and application, as well as information about the test day.

Please read "Notice to Test Takers: Special precautionary measures on Test Day"